When word reached Shangal, King of Hind and Kannauj, that his noble daughter Sapinud had been exalted as queen of Iran alongside King Bahram Gur, a profound longing filled his heart to behold the splendor of Persia and reunite with his child. He dispatched an eloquent, high-born envoy to the Iranian court, requesting a new royal covenant and charter of safe passage to preserve as an eternal heirloom. Bahram Gur graciously inscribed a radiant treaty in the Pahlavi script, gleaming like the sun of paradise. Upon receiving the document, Shangal’s heart rejoiced, and he began his grand preparations, keeping his travel plans hidden from the neighboring rulers of Chin.
Seven vassal kings beneath his sway—including the rulers of Kabul, Hind, Sandal, Mandal, and Jandal—assembled with their armies, formidable war-elephants hung with bells, and magnificent Indian parasols fashioned from peacock plumes. A vast treasure of gold, silver, jewels, and rich brocades draped over the elephants' backs shone for leagues across the plain, making worldly wealth seem trivial.
Upon hearing of their approach, Bahram Gur dispatched the Iranian nobility to welcome them, riding forth himself as far as Nahrawan. The two glorious monarchs dismounted, embraced with deep affection, and entered the realm together. Royal banquets were laid out with golden thrones, brocade draperies, roasted game placed along the roads, and clear crystal goblets filled with fine wine by crowned cupbearers. Shangal stood utterly spellbound by the fragrance of musk, the burning incense, and the heavenly luxury of the Persian court, marveling whether he had stepped into paradise itself.
During the feast, Shangal quietly requested permission to see his daughter. Guided through marble corridors to a hall resplendent as spring, he found Sapinud seated upon an ivory throne, crowned in glory. Tears of boundless love flowed from father and daughter as they embraced. Shangal marveled at her high destiny, exclaiming that she had escaped the grim idol-temples of Hind to dwell in paradise. He bestowed all his brought treasures, crowns, and precious gifts upon her before returning to Bahram's hall. In the days that followed, the two great kings remained inseparable companions, sharing rich banquets and exhilarating hunts across the Persian plains.
#1
پس آگاه شد شنگل از کار شاه
✦
ز دختر که شد شاه را پیش‌گاه
“Then Shangal received tidings of the Shah’s affairs, and how his daughter had entered the King’s exalted court.”
#2
به دیدار ایران بدش آرزوی
✦
بر دختر شاه آزاده‌خوی
“A deep desire awoke in him to behold Iran, and to visit his noble-natured daughter.”
#3
فرستاد هندی فرستاده‌ای
✦
سخن‌گوی مردی و آزاده‌ای
“He dispatched an Indian ambassador, an eloquent and noble man,”
#4
یکی عهد نو خواست از شهریار
✦
که دارد به خان اندرون یادگار
“Seeking a new covenant from the sovereign, to preserve as a treasured heirloom in his house.”
#5
به نوی جهاندار عهدی نوشت
✦
چو خورشید تابان به باغ بهشت
“The world-ruler wrote a fresh treaty, radiant as the shining sun in the garden of paradise.”
#6
یکی پهلوی نامه از خط شاه
✦
فرستاده آورد و بنمود راه
“The envoy brought the royal script in Pahlavi, revealing the open path.”
#7
فرستاده چون نزد شنگل رسید
✦
سپهدار قنوج خطش بدید
“When the messenger arrived before Shangal, the warlord of Kannauj beheld the Royal decree.”
#8
ز هندوستان ساز رفتن گرفت
✦
ز خویشان چینی نهفتن گرفت
“He made preparations to depart from Hindustan, keeping his journey secret from his Chinese kinsmen.”
#9
بیامد به درگاه او هفت شاه
✦
که آیند با رای شنگل به راه
“Seven kings assembled at his palace gate to ride alongside Shangal’s wise counsel.”
#10
یکی شاه کابل دگر هند شاه
✦
دگر شاه سندل بشد با سپاه
“The King of Kabul, the King of Hind, and the King of Sandal marched forth with their armies,”
#11
دگر شاه مندل که بد نامدار
✦
همان نیز جندل که بد کامگار
“Along with the renowned King of Mandal, and the prosperous King of Jandal.”
#12
ابا ژنده پیلان و زنگ و درای
✦
یکی چتر هندی به سر بر به پای
“With massive war-elephants, ringing bells, and Indian parasols held high over their heads.”
#13
همه نامجوی و همه نامدار
✦
همه پاک با طوق و با گوشوار
“All seekers of renown and glorious fame, pure-hearted, wearing neck-collars and golden earrings.”
#14
همه ویژه با گوهر و سیم و زر
✦
یکی چتر هندی ز طاوس نر
“All adorned with fine jewels, silver, and gold, beneath parasols fashioned from male peacocks.”
#15
به دیبا بیاراسته پشت پیل
✦
همی تافت آن لشکر از چند میل
“The backs of the elephants were draped in fine brocade; that host gleamed from miles away.”
#16
ابا هدیهٔ شاه و چندان نثار
✦
که دینار شد خوار بر شهریار
“Bearing such tribute and endless gifts for the King, that gold seemed of little worth to the monarch.”
#17
همی راند منزل به منزل سپاه
✦
چو زان آگهی یافت بهرامشاه
“Stage by stage the army pressed forward, until tidings reached King Bahram.”
#18
بزرگان ز هر شهر برخاستند
✦
پذیره شدن را بیاراستند
“The nobles of every city arose, preparing to go forth in grand reception.”
#19
بیامد شهنشاه تا نهروان
✦
خردمند و بیدار و روشن‌روان
“The King of Kings journeyed as far as Nahrawan, wise, alert, and luminous of soul.”
#20
دو شاه گرانمایه و نیک‌ساز
✦
رسیدند پس یک به دیگر فراز
“The two exalted and noble monarchs drew near and met each other.”
#21
به نزدیک اندر فرود آمدند
✦
که با پوزش و با درود آمدند
“They dismounted nearby, coming forward with warm greetings and polite courtliness.”
#22
گرفتند مر یکدگر را به بر
✦
دو شاه سرافراز با تاج و فر
“The two exalted kings embraced, crowned with majesty and divine glory.”
#23
پیاده شده لشکر از هر دو روی
✦
جهانی سراسر پر از گفت‌وگوی
“The armies on both sides dismounted; the whole world resounded with conversation.”
#24
دو شاه و دو لشکر رسیده بهم
✦
همی رفت هرگونه از بیش و کم
“The two kings and their hosts joined together, exchanging endless courtesies.”
#25
به زین بر نشستند هر دو سوار
✦
همان پرهنر لشکر نامدار
“Both monarchs mounted their steeds once more, accompanied by their accomplished, renowned armies.”
#26
به ایوانها تخت زرین نهاد
✦
برو جامهٔ خسرو آیین نهاد
“Golden thrones were set in the royal halls, spread with royal brocades according to imperial custom.”
#27
به ره بر بره مرغ بریان نهاد
✦
به یک تیر پرتاب بر خوان نهاد
“Roasted fowls were set along the paths, and banqueting tables spread as far as an arrow flies.”
#28
می آورد و برخواند رامشگران
✦
همه جام پر از کران تا کران
“Wine was served and musicians summoned, while goblets were filled brimming to the edge.”
#29
چو نان خورده شد مجلس شاهوار
✦
بیاراست پر بوی و رنگ و نگار
“When the feast ended, the royal assembly was adorned with sweet scents, vibrant colors, and artistry.”
#30
پرستندگان ایستاده به پای
✦
بهشتی شده کاخ و گاه و سرای
“Attendants stood in service; the palace, throne, and court became like paradise itself.”
#31
همه آلت می سراسر بلور
✦
طبقهای زرین ز مشک و بخور
“All the wine vessels were made of pure crystal, with golden trays of musk and burning incense.”
#32
ز زر افسری بر سر میگسار
✦
به پای اندرون کفش گوهرنگار
“Golden crowns adorned the cupbearers' heads, and shoes glittering with gems were upon their feet.”
#33
فروماند زان کاخ شنگل شگفت
✦
به می خوردن اندیشه اندر گرفت
“Shangal was filled with wonder at that palace, turning deep thoughts in his mind as he drank.”
#34
که تا این بهشتست یا بوستان
✦
همی بوی مشک آید از دوستان
“Thinking: "Is this a garden or paradise itself? The scent of musk wafts from these friends!"”
#35
چنین گفت با شاه ایران به راز
✦
که با دخترم راه دیدار ساز
“He whispered in secret to the Shah of Iran: "Grant me a way to see my daughter."”
#36
بفرمود تا خادمان سپاه
✦
پدر را گذراند نزدیک ماه
“The Shah ordered the court attendants to guide the father to his moon-faced bride.”
#37
همی رفت با خادمان نامدار
✦
سرای دگر دید چون نوبهار
“The renowned father walked alongside the attendants, beholding another palace like fresh spring.”
#38
چو دخترش را دید بر تخت عاج
✦
نشسته به آرام با فر و تاج
“When he saw his daughter seated upon an ivory throne, resting peacefully in crown and divine glory,”
#39
بیامد پدر بر سرش بوسه داد
✦
رخان را به رخسار او برنهاد
“The father approached, kissed her forehead, and pressed his cheeks against hers.”
#40
پدر زار بگریست از مهر اوی
✦
همان بر پدر دختر ماه‌روی
“The father wept bitterly out of deep affection, and likewise wept his moon-faced daughter.”
#41
همی دست بر سود شنگل به دست
✦
ازان کاخ و ایوان و جای نشست
“Shangal stroked the halls with his hands, in awe of that palace and imperial residence.”
#42
سپینود را گفت اینت بهشت
✦
برستی ز کاخ بت‌آرای زشت
“He said to Sapinud: "This is true paradise! You have escaped the ugly idol-temples of Hind."”
#43
همان هدیه‌ها را که آورده بود
✦
اگر بدره و تاج و گر برده بود
“All the gifts he had brought—whether purses of gold, crowns, or rich fabrics—”
#44
بدو داد با هدیهٔ شهریار
✦
شد آن خرم ایوان چو باغ بهار
“He bestowed upon her alongside the Shah’s gifts, turning that cheerful hall into a spring garden.”
#45
وزان جایگه شد به نزدیک شاه
✦
همی کرد مرد اندر ایوان نگاه
“Thence he returned to the Shah’s presence, gazing in marvel around the royal assembly.”
#46
بزرگان چو خرم شدند از نبید
✦
پرستار او خوابگاهی گزید
“When the nobles grew merry with wine, the royal attendant prepared a comfortable bedchamber.”
#47
سوی خوابگه رفتن آراستند
✦
ز هرگونه‌ای جامه‌ها خواستند
“They made ready to retire to the bedchamber, calling for garments of every fine variety.”
#48
چو پیدا شد این چادر مشک‌رنگ
✦
ستاره بروبر چو پشت پلنگ
“When night spread its musk-hued veil, studded with stars like the spotted back of a leopard,”
#49
بکردند میخوارگان خواب خوش
✦
همه ناز را دست کرده بکش
“The revellers sank into a sweet sleep, embracing ease and luxury to their hearts' content.”
#50
چنین تا پدید آمد آن زرد جام
✦
که خورشید خوانی مر او را به نام
“So it remained until that golden goblet shone forth, which men call by the name of the Sun.”
#51
بینداخت آن چادر لاژورد
✦
بگسترد بر دشت یاقوت زرد
“It cast off the azure mantle of night and scattered yellow rubies of sunlight across the plain.”
#52
به نخچیر شد شاه بهرام گرد
✦
شهنشاه هندوستان را ببرد
“Then the heroic King Bahram went out to hunt, taking the Emperor of Hindustan along with him.”
#53
چو از دشت نخچیر باز آمدند
✦
خجسته پی و بزمساز آمدند
“When they returned from the hunting ground, they came with blessed steps to set up a new banquet.”
#54
چنین هم بگوی و به نخچیر و سور
✦
زمانی نبودی ز بهرام دور
“Thus in speech, hunting, and joyful feasting, he remained not a moment apart from Bahram.”